Still have to wait another 10 days for the movie here in Oz, but I am REALLY looking forward to it ...
I'm not really fussed whether Harry Potter is good/bad/non-classic fantasy or whatever. They are just damm fine entertaining reads for children and adults.
IMHO, why Harry Potter has been so successful.
The books are a blend of three classic story themes:
- The "school boarding house" novel. ( As done so well by Enid Blyton and Anthony Buckeridge )
Magic, wizards, and witches.( always popular !! )
Detective mystery( to add lasting interest )
The books don't patronize.
They are written at a level that almost begs for the reader look for the hidden and not-so-hidden pokes at life stereotypes and absurdities.
The continuity between books is excellent.
On the downside, I am dismayed that Harry Potter has fallen prey to the evils of saturation merchandising, especially the contract with Coca Cola. I read that Coke paid Warner Bros more for the merchandising rights, than it cost WB to make the movie !!
[ 11-19-2001: Message edited by: Pangur Ban ]